Man United have agreed to play a pre-season friendly against Leeds in the Republic of Ireland this summer.
15:08, 03 Apr 2026Updated 15:09, 03 Apr 2026
United are due to play Leeds on August 12.(Image: Manchester United)
Leeds will not play Manchester United in a pre-season friendly in Dublin if they are relegated or participate in the Community Shield. United announced they would take on Leeds at Croke Park ahead of the 2026/27 season.
However, Leeds have confirmed they will be unable to participate in the fixture if they are relegated, as the Championship season is scheduled to begin just two days after the date of the friendly in Dublin.
Leeds would also be unable to fulfil their commitment to the fixture if they were to play in the Community Shield.
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When the fixture was announced, Leeds said: “Please note, this fixture is subject to Leeds United retaining Premier League status. This fixture is also subject to the club not participating in the 2026 FA Community Shield.
“The club will not offer refunds on travel expenses in the event of relegation or participation in the 2026 FA Community Shield. The ticket operator will offer refunds on tickets sold for the match.”
The Manchester Evening News have contacted United to clarify a contingency plan for the fixture if Leeds cannot play in the friendly.
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United began their pre-season campaign with a friendly against Leeds last summer in Stockholm, Sweden. The game ended in a goalless draw at the Strawberry Arena.
The Reds will stay in Europe for pre-season for the first time since 2002 (excluding the two summers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic) to prevent players from having to make multiple long-haul flights.
The majority of United’s senior players will represent their nations at the World Cup, which runs between June 11 and July 19.
United’s pre-season schedule
July 18: Wrexham in Helsinki, FinlandJuly 24: Rosenborg in Trondheim, NorwayAugust 1: Atletico Madrid in Stockholm, SwedenAugust 8: Paris Saint‑Germain in Gothenburg, SwedenAugust 12: Leeds in Dublin, IrelandAugust 15: AC Milan in Wroclaw, PolandGrand National 2026 Preview: 48-Page Guide with Tips, Runners & Expert Analysis
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